Braced telescoping support strut and system

ABSTRACT

A telescoping support strut configured to support a conveyor assembly of a portable conveyor system includes a first strut section and a second strut section configured to telescopically receive and substantially surround beams of the first strut section. The first strut section includes a first beam, an opposing generally parallel second beam, and a plurality of braces coupled between the first and second beams. The second strut section includes a first channel beam, an opposing generally parallel second channel beam, and a plurality of braces coupled between the first and second channel beams. Each channel beam comprises a perimeter wall configured to telescopically receive and substantially surround a respective beam of the first strut section. Each channel beam further configured to define a slot in the perimeter wall adjacent to facing surfaces of the respective beams of the first strut section.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/586,780,filed Oct. 26, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,284,947.

BACKGROUND

Conveyor systems are used in stockpiling rock, grain, and/or otheraggregate material. In general, a portable conveyor system includes amovable support frame, a conveyor assembly mounted on the support frameat a feed end of the frame, and a support strut extending between thesupport frame and the conveyor assembly. The frame includes wheels fortransporting the conveyor system to a desired stockpile site, forexample. In this regard, the conveyor assembly and conveyor support canbe folded or retracted onto the frame for transportation, and unfoldedor extended from the frame to convey materials. During use, the supportstrut extends to elevate and support the conveyor assembly, whichenables the formation of uniform “in-spec” stockpiles that are manymeters in height.

Conveyor systems have proven useful in agricultural, mining, and otherindustries. These industries desire to form larger in-spec stockpiles.With this in mind, improvements to support struts of portable conveyorsystems will be accepted and beneficial to the agricultural, mining, andother industries.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present invention provides a telescoping support strutconfigured to support a conveyor assembly of a portable conveyor system.The support strut includes a first strut section and a second strutsection configured to telescopically receive and substantially surroundbeams of the first strut section. The first strut section includes afirst beam, an opposing generally parallel second beam, and a pluralityof braces coupled between the first and second beams. The second strutsection includes a first channel beam, an opposing generally parallelsecond channel beam, and a plurality of braces coupled between the firstand second channel beams. Each channel beam comprises an open end and aperimeter wall configured to telescopically receive and substantiallysurround a respective beam of the first strut section. A box frame issecured about the perimeter wall of the first and second channel beamsadjacent to the open ends of the first and second channel beams. Eachchannel beam is further configured to define a slot in the perimeterwall adjacent to facing surfaces of the respective beams of the firststrut section. In this regard, the first braced undercarriage section isslideable within the second braced undercarriage section such that thebraces of the first strut section slide within the slots of the secondstrut section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable conveyor system including atelescoping conveyor support according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the telescoping conveyor supportillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a first braced undercarriage section of thetelescoping conveyor support illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4A is a top view of a second braced undercarriage section of thetelescoping conveyor support illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the second braced undercarriagesection taken along line 4B-4B of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is an end view of the second braced undercarriage section ofFIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the first bracedundercarriage section slidably retained within the second bracedundercarriage section according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial perspective view of an assembledtelescoping conveyor support including a hydraulic system according toone embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view of a portable conveyor system 20according to one embodiment of the present invention. Portable conveyorsystem 20 includes a base frame 22, a conveyor assembly 24, and atelescoping support strut 26 coupled between frame 22 and conveyorassembly 24. A portion 37 of conveyor system 20 has been selectivelycross-sectioned in the view of FIG. 1 to better illustrate telescopingportions of conveyor assembly 24.

Frame 22 is provided to support conveyor assembly 24 during use, andenables movement and transportation of portable conveyor system 20. Inone embodiment, frame 22 includes a first end 30 and a second end 32,where first end 30 includes a trailer hitch (not shown) suited forcoupling to a transportation tractor, for example. Second end 32includes an undercarriage 33 with wheels 33 a for road transportation ofconveyor system 20 and wheels 33 b for moving or otherwise pivotingsecond end 32 radially about first end 30.

Conveyor assembly 24 comprises a first conveyor section 24 a and asecond conveyor section 24 b that is telescopically movable relative tothe first conveyor section 24 a. First conveyor section 24 a extendsbetween a feed end 34 and a first discharge end 36. Feed end 34 iscoupled to first end 30 of frame 22. First discharge end 36 isvertically movable to vary a height of material discharged from conveyorassembly 24. Second conveyor section 24 b includes a first end 35 and asecond discharge end 38. Extension of the second conveyor section 24 brelative to first conveyor section 24 a increases the distance materialcarried by conveyor system 20 can be transported, as well as a height ofsecond discharge end 38. Increasing the height of second discharge end38 enables formation of higher aggregate stockpiles, such that moreaggregate material can be stored on a given footprint of land.

Telescoping support strut 26 is coupled to and extends between secondend 32 of frame 22 and first discharge end 36 of first conveyor section24 a to provide variable positioning of first discharge end 36. Supportstrut 26 can be extended to enable conveyor assembly 24 to increase theheight of material stockpiled.

Embodiments of the present invention provided for a fully bracedtelescoping support strut 26 that is more rigid, and thus more stable,across all ranges of operations, and particularly when second end 32 isdeployed on a less than ideally smooth runway, and when support strut 26is extended to elevate first discharge end 36 of first conveyor section24 a.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of telescoping support strut 26according to one embodiment of the present invention. Telescopingsupport strut 26 includes a first braced undercarriage or supportsection 40, a second braced undercarriage or support section 42, and ahydraulic system 44 coupled between second end 32 of frame 22 (FIG. 1)and first braced undercarriage section 40.

In one embodiment, first braced undercarriage section 40 includes afirst beam 50, an opposing second beam 52, and inner braces 54 a, 54 b,54 c extending between first beam 50 and second beam 52. In oneembodiment, second braced undercarriage section 42 includes a firstchannel beam 60, an opposing second channel beam 62, and outer braces 64a, 64 b, 64 c coupled between first channel beam 60 and second channelbeam 62.

In general, first braced undercarriage section 40 is reinforced by innerbraces 54 a, 54 b, 54 c, and second braced undercarriage section 42 isreinforced by outer braces 64 a, 64 b, 64 c. Second undercarriagesection 42 is configured to receive inner braces 54 a, 54 b, 54 c whenfirst undercarriage section 40 slides within the channel beams 60, 62.In this manner, each of the undercarriage sections 40, 42 are reinforcedby bracing, and first braced undercarriage section 40 can slide withinsecond braced undercarriage section 60 to vary a position of firstdischarge end 36 of conveyor assembly 24 (FIG. 1).

In one embodiment, hydraulic system 44 includes a pair of hydrauliccylinders 70 a, 70 b and a pair of telescoping hydraulic pistons 72 a,72 b coupled to a respective one of the hydraulic cylinders 70 a, 70 b.In one embodiment, hydraulic cylinders 70 a, 70 b are coupled to firstundercarriage section 40 parallel to a respective one of beams 50, 52,and telescoping hydraulic pistons 72 a, 72 b extend from frame 22(FIG. 1) along a respective one of opposing channel beams 60, 62 tocouple into hydraulic cylinders 70 a, 70 b. Other orientations forhydraulic system 44 relative to first undercarriage section 40 andsecond undercarriage section 42 are also acceptable. In one embodiment,hydraulic cylinders 70 a, 70 b are each three-stage hydraulic cylinders,although other hydraulic cylinder forms are also acceptable.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of first braced undercarriage section 40.First undercarriage section 40 includes a ram end 80 opposite a conveyorend 82, where first and second beams 50, 52 extend between ram end 80and conveyor end 82. As best illustrated in FIG. 2 above, whenoperational, ram end 80 is received within and telescopes relative tosecond undercarriage section 42 and conveyor end 82 couples to firstdischarge end 36 of conveyor assembly 24.

In one embodiment, ram end 80 includes a hydraulic coupling assembly 84that includes a cross member 86 extending between first and second beams50, 52, and a support 88 disposed at the ram end 80. In one embodiment,cross member 86 is a steel plate that is spaced from ram end 80 andextends between beams 50, 52. In one embodiment, hydraulic cylinders 70a, 70 b (FIG. 2) are coupled to cross member 86 adjacent a respectiveone of first and second beams 50, 52 and extend from cross member 86through access ports 90 a, 90 b formed in support 88.

Conveyor end 82 includes a coupling structure 92 that is suited forrotatably coupling conveyor end 82 to first discharge end 36 of conveyorassembly 24 (FIG. 1). In particular, coupling structure 92 includes atubular member 94 that is aligned with a first set of ears 96 a, 96 band an opposing second set of ears 98 a, 98 b. Ears 96 a and 96 b arespaced relative to one another, as are ears 98 a and 98 b. Each set ofears 96 a,b and 98 a,b receive a tongue (shown generally in FIG. 2)extending from opposing sides of first discharge end 36 of conveyorassembly 24. A retaining pin (not shown) is inserted through hollowtubular member 94 and ears 96 a,b and 98 a,b (and through the tongues ofconveyor assembly 24) to rotatably couple conveyor end 82 of firstundercarriage section 40 to first discharge end 36 of conveyor assembly24.

In one embodiment, beams 50, 52 are hollow tubular members configured toprovide a maximum amount of torsional rigidity with a minimum amount ofweight. One suitable material for beams 50, 52 includes steel, althoughother metals, including non-magnetic metals, are also acceptable. Ingeneral, first undercarriage section 40 is reinforced by inner braces 54that extend between interior faces 100, 102 of beams 50, 52,respectively. In this regard, in one embodiment inner braces 54 aretubular members that are formed of materials that are weldable to beams50, 52, such as steel for example. In an alternative embodiment, braces54 are mechanically fastened to beams 50, 52 by bolts, clips, or othersuitable fastening devices.

In one embodiment, beams 50, 52 extend a length L1 of about 238 inches,although other dimensions for beams 50, 52 are also acceptable. In oneembodiment, opposing interior faces 100, 102 are offset from one anotherby a width W1 of about 54 inches, although other dimensions forseparating opposing faces 100, 102 are also acceptable.

FIG. 4A illustrates a top view of second braced undercarriage section42. Second undercarriage section 42 includes a pivot end 110 opposite anopen end 112, and channel beams 60, 62 extend between pivot end 110 andopen end 112.

Pivot end 110 includes a pivot assembly 114 configured to coupled toframe 22 (FIG. 1). In one embodiment, pivot assembly 114 includes a tube115 that defines a through-bore that is configured to receive a couplingpin (not shown) attachable to frame 22, where the coupling pin definesan axel about which pivot end 110 rotates relative to frame 22, as isknown in the art.

Open end 112 is configured to receive first undercarriage section 40(FIG. 3). In particular, channel beams 60, 62 of second bracedundercarriage section 42 terminate at open end 112 such that open end112 is suited to receive ram end 80 of first undercarriage section 40.In one embodiment, open end 112 includes a box frame 116 that isdisposed around an outer periphery of first and second channel beams 60,62. Box frame 116 supports and reinforces open end 112 of secondundercarriage section 42, and thus stabilizes telescoping support strut26 (FIG. 2) during extension of first undercarriage section 40 beyondsecond undercarriage section 42.

Second undercarriage section 42 is reinforced by outer braces 64 a, 64b, 64 c that extend between exterior faces 120, 122 of channel beams 60,62, respectively. In one embodiment, second undercarriage section 42includes top exterior faces 120, 122 (as illustrated) and bottomexterior faces (not visible), and outer braces 64 are provided thatextend between both top exterior faces 120, 122 and bottom exteriorfaces. While an alternating configuration of outer braces 64 isillustrated, it is to be understood that other configurations for outerbraces 64 are also acceptable.

In one embodiment, channel beams 60, 62 are modified hollow tubularmembers configured to provide a maximum amount of torsional rigiditywith a minimum amount of weight. One suitable material for channel beams60, 62 includes steel, although other metals, including non-magneticmetals, are also acceptable. In one embodiment, outer braces 64 aremetal plates, for example angle iron, that extend between opposingexterior faces 120, 122 of channel beams 60, 62, respectively. Ingeneral, outer braces 64 are formed of materials that are weldable tochannel beams 60, 62, such as steel for example. In an alternativeembodiment, outer braces 64 are mechanically fastened to channel beams60, 62 by bolts, clips, or other suitable fastening devices.

In one embodiment, channel beams 60, 62 extend a length L2 between pivotend 110 and open end 112 of about 230 inches, although other dimensionsare also acceptable. In one embodiment, first channel beam 60 is spaceda width W2 apart from second channel beam 62, where width W2 is about 59inches, although other dimensions that enable second undercarriagesection 42 to receive ram end 80 of first undercarriage section 40 (FIG.3) are also acceptable.

FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view of second undercarriagesection 42 taken along line 4B-4B of FIG. 4A. Outer brace 64 b extendsfrom exterior face 120 of first channel beam 60 to exterior face 122 ofsecond channel beam 62.

First channel beam 60 includes a first U-shaped beam 123, a secondU-shaped beam 124, and a plate 125 coupled to first and second U-shapedbeams 123, 124. First U-shaped beam 123 defines a first leg 126, asecond leg 127, and a base 128 connecting between first and second legs126, 127. As a point of reference, base 128 of first U-shaped beam 123is coincident with surface 120 of first channel beam 60. Second U-shapedbeam 124 defines a first leg 136, a second leg 137, and a base 138connecting between first and second legs 136, 137. Plate 125 is coupledbetween second legs 127, 137 of first and second U-shaped beams 123,124, respectively, to define channel slot 130. The configuration offirst channel beam 60 defines a channel arrangement that provides threecomplete sides (base 128, plate 125, base 138) and one partial fourthside (defined by legs 126, 136) that combine to substantially surroundbeam 50 of the first strut section 40 when support 26 is assembled.

Second channel beam 62 includes a first U-shaped beam 143, a secondU-shaped beam 144, and a plate 145 coupled to first and second U-shapedbeams 143, 144. First U-shaped beam 143 defines a first leg 146, asecond leg 147, and a base 148 connecting between first and second legs146, 147. As a point of reference, base 148 of first U-shaped beam 143is coincident with surface 122 of second channel beam 62. SecondU-shaped beam 144 defines a first leg 156, a second leg 157, and a base158 connecting between first and second legs 156, 157. Plate 145 iscoupled between first legs 146, 156 of first and second U-shaped beams143, 144, respectively, to define channel slot 132. The configuration ofsecond channel beam 62 defines a channel arrangement that provides threecomplete sides (base 148, plate 145, base 158) and one partial fourthside (defined by legs 147, 157) that combine to substantially surroundbeam 52 of the second strut section 42 when support 26 is assembled.

Channel beams 60, 62 are configured to surround substantially all foursides of the respective beams that they engage with. In this regard,channel beams 60, 62 can be fabricated in forms other than thatdescribed above. For example, channel beams 60, 62 can be fabricated bymilling or removing a longitudinal slot on one side of an annular beam,or by cross-bracing two opposing C-shaped beams, where the C-shapedbeams include walls defining a slot that are configured to surroundsubstantially all four sides of the respective beams that they engagewith.

Channel slots 130, 132 are sized to permit passage of inner braces 54,cross member 86, and support 88 of first undercarriage section 40 (FIG.3). In one embodiment, channel slots 130, 132 extend an entirety of thelength L2 of channel beams 60, 62 between pivot end 110 and open end 112(FIG. 4A).

Channel beams 60, 62 are generally C-shaped, although other shapes thatinclude slots 130, 132 are also acceptable. In this regard, channelslots 130, 132 are oriented to “face” one another and are sized toprovide a clearance that enables first undercarriage section 40 (FIG. 3)to slide unimpeded within second undercarriage section 42. For example,in one embodiment inner braces 54 (FIG. 3) are tubular members having anoutside dimension of about 4 inches square, and channel slots 130, 132define an opening slightly greater than 4 inches such that inner braces54 will slide between channel slots 130, 132. In a similar manner,channel slots 130, 132 are sized to provide clearance for cross member86 and support 88 (FIG. 3) when first undercarriage section 40 slideswithin second undercarriage section 42. Other suitable dimensions thatenable channel slots 130, 132 to slidingly receive portions of firstundercarriage section 40 are also acceptable.

FIG. 4C illustrates an end view of open end 112 of second undercarriagesection 42. Box frame 116 extends around a periphery of open end 112 toreinforce first channel beam 60 and second channel beam 62. In oneembodiment, box frame 116 includes four tubular members welded about aperiphery of open end 112. In other embodiments, box frame 116 includessolid plates, for example, secured about a periphery of open end 112.

In general, box frame 116 is formed of materials that are weldable tochannel beams 60, 62, such as steel for example. In other embodiments,box frame 116 is mechanically fastened to channel beams 60, 62 by bolts,clips, or other suitable fastening devices. In any regard, open end 112is reinforced by box frame 116 and channel beams 60, 62 are available toreceive beams 50, 52, respectively, of first undercarriage section 40(FIG. 2).

FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged partial perspective view of support strut26 with first braced undercarriage section 40 slidingly engaged withinsecond braced undercarriage section 42 according to one embodiment ofthe present invention. Inner braces 54 is centered within the opposinginner faces of beams 50, 52 of first undercarriage section 40, asillustrated by inner brace 54 d and beam 50. Channel beam 60 is providedwith channel slot 130 that is sized to receive inner braces 54 (brace 54d is illustrated) of first undercarriage section 40. In this manner,beam 50 of first undercarriage section 40 is surrounded on all foursides by channel beam 60 of second undercarriage section 42.

First undercarriage section 40 is braced by inner braces 54, crossmember 86 and support 88 (FIG. 3), and these components slide unimpededthrough channel slot 130 when first undercarriage section 40 telescopeswithin second undercarriage section 42. Second undercarriage section 42is braced by outer braces 64 (one visible) that extend between exteriorfaces 120, 122 (exterior face 120 is shown) of channel beams 60, 62,respectively. In this manner, both of the first undercarriage section 40and the second undercarriage section 42 are braced and reinforcedagainst undesired torsional twisting, and channel beams 60, 62 of secondundercarriage section 42 include reinforced slots 130, 132 that permitfirst undercarriage section 40 to slide within second undercarriagesection 42.

FIG. 6 illustrates an enlarged partial perspective view of support strut26 with first undercarriage section 40 operably connected to secondundercarriage section 42 and including hydraulic system 44 according toone embodiment of the present invention. Support 88 generally defines alowermost portion of first undercarriage section 40. Secondundercarriage section 42 includes open end 112 reinforced by box frame116 and channel beams 60, 62 sized to receive beams 50, 52,respectively. Box frame 116 is generally disposed at a topmost portionof second undercarriage section 42. With this in mind, FIG. 6illustrates that first undercarriage section 40 is extended out ofsecond first undercarriage section 42. Hydraulic pistons 72 a, 72 b passthrough access ports 90 a, 90 b, respectively, of support 88, andhydraulic cylinders 70 a, 70 b telescope relative to pistons 72 a, 72 band are attached to cross member 86. In one embodiment, cross member 86and support 88 are spaced apart one from the other by about 1-5 feet,although other dimensions are also acceptable.

In general, slots 130, 132 of second undercarriage section 42 provideclearance for cross member 86 to slide within second undercarriagesection 42. Support 88 extends between beams 50, 52, and includes tucks140 where support 88 is attached to beams 50, 52. Tucks 140 configuresupport 88 to be wider than the slots 130, 132 through which support 88slides. In this manner, support 88 accommodates access ports 90 a, 90 b,which are necessarily wider than the hydraulic cylinders 70 a, 70 b thatthey receive. To this end, support 88 is wider than the hydrauliccylinders 70 a, 70 b and slots 130, 132, but tucks 140 are configured toenable support 88 to slide within slots 130, 132 of second undercarriagesection 42.

Reference is made to a cut-away section of box frame 116 thatillustrates hydraulic cylinder 70 a of hydraulic system 44 coupled tocross member 86 and aligned with access port 90 a formed in support 88.Access ports 90 a, 90 b are sized to permit the passage of a respectiveone of hydraulic pistons 72 a, 72 b that extend from frame 22 (FIG. 1)and telescope into hydraulic cylinders 70 a, 70 b, respectively. Whenhydraulic system 44 is activated, pistons 72 a, 72 b extend throughaccess ports 90 a, 90 b, respectively, to move first bracedundercarriage section 40 relative to second braced undercarriage section42. In particular, first undercarriage section 40 is slidable withinsecond undercarriage section 42 between a retracted position in whichconveyor end 82 (FIG. 3) is substantially adjacent to open end 112, toan extended position in which ram end 80 (FIG. 3) is substantiallyadjacent to open end 112.

Reference is made to a cut-away section of outer brace 64 c of secondundercarriage section 42 that illustrates access port 90 a formed insupport 88. Support 88 extends between beams 50, 52 of firstundercarriage section 40, and in one embodiment includes tucks 140 thattaper to fit within channel slots 130, 132 (slot 130 is illustrated). Inthis manner, support 88 is robustly sized to have a width that is widerthan channel slot 130, for example, and yet tuck 140 enables support 88to slide within channel slot 130. In this manner, support 88 is“oversized” and suited to accommodate formation of access port 90 awithout a deleterious reduction in ultimate strength, which contributesto support 88 rigidly stabilizing first undercarriage section 40.

With additional reference to FIG. 1, when conveyor system 20 is employedto form an in-spec aggregate stockpile, conveyor assembly 24 and supportstrut 26 are unfolded from frame 22, and support strut 26 raisesconveyor assembly 24 into a desired elevated position. The stockpile isformed as aggregate material cascades from the first discharge end 36into a pile. As the aggregate stockpile grows, second discharge end 38is extended away from first discharge end 36 to build the aggregatestockpile upwards. Wheels 33 b are used to move frame 22 in a radial arcon a runway to build the aggregate stockpile laterally.

Telescoping support strut 26 is provided to extend discharge end 36upward and outward from frame 22. In this regard, telescoping supportstrut 26 is fully braced across both a first braced undercarriagesection 40 (FIG. 2) and a second braced undercarriage section 42 (FIG.2) that enables first braced undercarriage section 40 to extend awayfrom second braced undercarriage section 42 and resist torsion or othertwisting movements initiated by forces at extended second discharge end38. As a consequence, conveyor system 20 has improved stability andaccommodates operation on runways that are less than ideally level andless than ideally maintained.

In addition, the improved stability and rigidity of telescoping supportstrut 26 contributes to equalized pressures within opposing sides ofhydraulic system 44. For example, when first braced undercarriagesection 40 is extended away from second braced undercarriage section 42,the mutually braced sections 40, 42 minimize twisting of the extendedsection 40. When twisting is minimized, any unbalanced lateral forcesrelative to system 20 are also minimized, which enables the pressureswithin hydraulic system 44 to be balanced. As a consequence, hydraulicpressures in the opposing sides of hydraulic system 44 are about equal,which enables hydraulic system 44 to extend beams 50, 52 even further ina balanced manner. Thus, the fully braced support strut 26 is morestable when extended, and more readily accommodates operation ofconveyor system 20 on a runway that deviates from ideally level.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the artthat a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may besubstituted for the specific embodiments shown and described withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. This application isintended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specificembodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that thisinvention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

1. A telescoping support strut configured to support a conveyor assemblyof a portable conveyor system relative to a base frame, the supportstrut comprising: a first strut section having a first beam and a secondbeam and a plurality of braces coupled therebetween, the first andsecond beams being generally parallel to one another, the first andsecond beams of the first strut section each having a connector at afirst end configured to pivotally connect to the conveyor assembly ofthe portable conveyor system and a second end; a second strut sectionhaving a first generally C-shaped channel beam and a second generallyC-shaped channel beam, the first and second channel beams having agenerally equal length and being generally parallel to one another, thefirst and second channel beams each comprising a perimeter wall and anelongate opening that extends the length of the first and second channelbeams, the elongate opening of the first channel beam facing theelongate opening of the second channel beam, the first and secondchannel beams defining an open space between the respective elongateopenings, and a plurality of braces coupled between the first and secondchannel beams outside of the open space, the first and second channelbeams each having a first end configured to pivotally connect to thebase frame of the portable conveyor system and a second end configuredto receive the second ends of the first and second beams, respectively,of the first strut section, the first strut section movable within thesecond strut section; and first and second telescoping hydrauliccylinders extending along the second strut section in the open spacebetween the first and second channel beams, the first and secondhydraulic cylinders connected to the first strut section totelescopically extend the first strut section relative to the secondstrut section.
 2. The telescoping support strut of claim 1, wherein theplurality of braces of the first strut section are positioned relativeto the first and second beams so as to travel within the elongateopenings of the second strut section.
 3. The telescoping support strutof claim 1 wherein a first one of the plurality of braves comprises across support connected between the first and second beams adjacent afirst end of each of the first and second beams, the first and secondhydraulic cylinders being connected to the cross support.
 4. Thetelescoping support strut of claim 1, wherein the plurality of braces ofthe first and second channel beams are positioned on first and secondsides of the first and second channel beams.
 5. The telescoping supportstrut of claim 1 and further comprising a box frame disposed around anouter periphery of the first and second channel beams adjacent to thesecond ends of the first and second channel beams.
 6. A telescopingsupport strut configured to support a conveyor assembly of a portableconveyor system, the support strut comprising: a first strut sectionhaving a first beam and a second beam and a plurality of braces coupledtherebetween, the first and second beams being generally parallel to oneanother, wherein a first one of the plurality of braces comprises across support connected between the first and second beams adjacent afirst end of each of the first and second beams; a second strut sectionhaving a first generally C-shaped channel beam and a second generallyC-shaped channel beam, the first and second channel beams having agenerally equal length and being generally parallel to one another, thefirst and second channel beams each comprising a perimeter wall and anelongate opening that extend the length of the first and second channelbeams, the elongate opening of the first channel beam facing theelongate opening of the second channel beam, the first and secondchannel beams defining an open space between the respective elongateopenings, and a plurality of braces coupled between the first and secondchannel beams outside of the open space on first and second sides of thefirst and second channel beams, the first and second channel beams eachhaving an end configured to telescopically receive a respective firstand second beam of the first strut section; and first and secondtelescoping hydraulic cylinders extending along the second strut sectionin the open space adjacent to the elongate openings of the first andsecond channel beams, the first and second hydraulic cylinders connectedto the cross support of the first strut section; wherein the first strutsection is slideable within the second strut section such that theplurality of braces of the first strut section slide within the elongateopenings of the second strut section.
 7. The telescoping support strutof claim 6 and further comprising a box frame disposed around an outerperiphery of the first and second channel beams adjacent to the ends ofthe first and second channel beams.
 8. A telescoping support strutconfigured to support a conveyor assembly of a portable conveyor system,the support strut comprising: a first strut section having a first beam,an opposing generally parallel second beam, and a plurality of bracescoupled between the first and second beams, the first strut sectionhaving a first end and a second end; and a second strut section having afirst channel beam, an opposing generally parallel second channel beam,and a plurality of braces coupled between the first and second channelbeams, each channel beam comprising an open end and perimeter wallconfigured to telescopically receive and substantially surround arespective beam of the first strut section, each channel beam furtherconfigured to define a slot in the perimeter wall adjacent to facingsurfaces of the respective beams of the first strut section; a box framesecured about the perimeter wall of the first and second channel beamsadjacent to the open ends of the first and second channel beams; andwherein the first strut section is slideable within the second strutsection such that the braces of the first strut section slide within theslots of the second strut section.